Pakistani Journalists Decry Assault: Nationwide 'Black Day' Declared

The Pakistan Journalists Union has declared Friday a "black day" following an alleged assault on journalists at the National Press Club in Islamabad on Thursday. The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) President, Afzal Butt, asserted that journalists are outraged and vowed that press clubs across the nation would display black flags in protest.

According to reports from Pakistani media, an unprovoked police attack occurred while the Lawyers Community of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir held a peaceful protest at the club. The protests, now in their sixth consecutive day, have heightened tensions after three civilians were killed by security forces in the region.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident, following massive public outcry and calls for action from journalist unions. Footage widely shared on social media shows policemen assaulting journalists, destroying equipment, and dragging media personnel inside the club.

Minister Naqvi condemned the violence and promised disciplinary action, though journalists have demanded more substantial responses beyond inquiries. Afzal Butt emphasized the national significance of the event, warning that without intervention, similar attacks could occur elsewhere in Pakistani cities such as Karachi, Lahore, and Quetta.

Butt described the incident as one of the darkest days in Pakistan's journalism history, stressing that the assault symbolizes an attack on media freedom as a whole. Journalist groups accused governmental bodies of approving the raid. Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists President, Tariq Virk, announced plans for a proactive response plan to prevent future incidents.

(With inputs from agencies.)